as in scams
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value
the explanation was so plausible that I never suspected it was all a con to make off with my car
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in studies
to commit to memory
usually candidates con their entire campaign speech, right down to the jokes they supposedly ad-lib
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reviews
to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition)
seemed to be conning his face for any sign of uncertainty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in hustles
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
a fly-by-night operator who had conned hundreds of would-be homeowners out of their hard-earned money
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in tricks
to cause to believe what is untrue
tried to con me into thinking that he had actually won the lottery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cons
Elizabeth Baskin, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The cons aren't just in Michigan.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Here’s what experts had to say about the pros—and possible cons—of hitting the tennis court.
—Cathy Cassata, Health, 4 Sep. 2025
Indeed, the beauty of New Orleans proper was found in its colorful variety of humans—the loons and cons, the beggars and peddlers.
—Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
In a May post online, the organization informed readers about the pros and cons of the service.
—Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2025
Among the cons, learning Portuguese has been challenging and gas is expensive.
—Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 2 Sep. 2025
Ball said the board has dedicated hours doing research, reaching out to towns that already have a Buc-ee’s to ask about the pros and cons.
—Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025
Amid the trade war, Davis said retail clients also continue to review their short-term and long-term strategies, weighing the pros and cons of moving manufacturing out of China.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
Those logical advantages for the pros column can outweigh some of those in the cons column, such as the perception of new sources of stress.
—Elizabeth Baskin, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The cons aren't just in Michigan.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Here’s what experts had to say about the pros—and possible cons—of hitting the tennis court.
—Cathy Cassata, Health, 4 Sep. 2025
Indeed, the beauty of New Orleans proper was found in its colorful variety of humans—the loons and cons, the beggars and peddlers.
—Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
In a May post online, the organization informed readers about the pros and cons of the service.
—Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2025
Among the cons, learning Portuguese has been challenging and gas is expensive.
—Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 2 Sep. 2025
Ball said the board has dedicated hours doing research, reaching out to towns that already have a Buc-ee’s to ask about the pros and cons.
—Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025
Amid the trade war, Davis said retail clients also continue to review their short-term and long-term strategies, weighing the pros and cons of moving manufacturing out of China.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cons.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cons. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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